VEGETABLES 49 



Karela 



{Momordica charanfia) 



Called Karela, etc. (Hindustani) ; Pavakka-cliedi, etc. 

 (Tamil) ; Kakara, etc. (Telegu) ; Kaippa-valli (Malay) ; 

 Ke-hin-ga-bin (Burmah) ; Mboga-kibaniaiii (Kisuuliili, East 

 Africa) ; Hairy Cerasee (Jamaica) ; Condeamor (Venezuela) ; 

 and Quisaulbarri (Arabic). Sow in June, as the rainy season 

 variety (Kareli) is the best. It requires support for climbing. 

 Considered a cooling tonic, stomachic, and antibilious. 



The fruit is a bright orange yellow, 1 to G inches long. 

 Sliced, dried, and kept in an airy place, it remains good 

 many months. Treat with salt and water, or hot water 

 before cooking or frying, to remove part of the bitterness. 

 Cook in curry, or slice and fry. 



Indian Spinach 



(Basella alba) 



Called Poi, etc. (Hindustani) ; Vasla-kire (Tamil) ; Alu- 

 bachechali, etc. (Telegu) ; and Basella-kira (Malay). 



White Basil is a twining plant, and the succulent stems ami 

 leaves are an important article of food as a potherb in curry, 

 etc. It is a wholesome vegetable, and makes good spinach. 



Red Basil. 



(Basella rubra) 



Called Poi, etc. (Hindustani) ; Shivappu-vaslakire 

 (Tamil) ; Allabatsalla, etc. (Telegu) ; and Chovvauna- 



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